‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’: How It’s Similar & Different From the Film (PHOTOS)
Different: Meet-Cutes
Sure, meet-cutes are a rom-com cliche, but our two apparent leads — Nathalie Emmanuel and Nikesh Patel as Maya and Kash — don’t start off on a great foot. The pair meet at the airport when Maya’s complaining about her lost luggage that contains “classified information.” Kash eavesdrops and offers up a sarcastic remark about her being like Jack Ryan. Needless to say, it isn’t love at first sight they way it was for Charles when he met Carrie in the film. Eventually the initial tension eases when they go on the hunt for her lost suitcase.
Similar: Friendship
From what we know about the show, friendship is a key element to this rom-com and it was also at the core of the original movie. In this case, those friends are a group of former American college classmates who would do anything for each other. The same rings true in the film which followed a tight-knit group of pals.
Different: Diversity
While still a classic, there was one thing the original film didn’t have in its cast that the series does — diversity. A lot has changed in 25 years and these fresh-faced stars the show into the 21st century. Along with those diverse characters are stories to match, as the show demonstrates certain religious practices in marriage and more.
Similar: An American With Poor Timing
While Maya may not be a carbon copy of Andie MacDowell’s Carrie from the film, she does fill the role of lead Amerian female. And like Carrie, Maya’s luck with love isn’t so great — and neither is her timing when she shows interest in best friend Ainsely’s (Rebecca Rittenhouse) fiancé Kash.
Different: A Little Less English
While the original film focused entirely on a group of Brits, the series does the opposite with a group of American friends living in London. The English do have their representation in Ainsley’s neighbor and friend Gemma (Zoe Boyle), but don’t expect a “British” series because Four Weddings leans more American in this interpretation.
Similar: Lovelorn Friends
Viewers will recall Kristin Scott Thomas’ character Fiona was partial to Hugh Grant’s Charles in the film and in the series there is a similar storyline. This time around, it’s shown in Duffy’s (John Reynolds) affection for longtime friend Maya.
Similar: Andie MacDowell
The actress, who appeared in the original 1994 film as Carrie, will appear in the series. Fans will have to tune in to find out which character she’ll play. As far as connections to the film, this is the strongest link to the original story so far.
Different: Unrealistic Events
Unlike the mostly realistic storylines of love and loss in the original film, this take on Four Weddings and a Funeral includes some situations that viewers may find a bit outrageous, even for a rom-com. One character to watch is Brandon Mychal Smith’s Craig (above) who will be part of a wild — albeit hilarious — storyline as the season progresses.
Similar: Adorably Timid British Men
Even though this series centers on a group of American college friends, Kash successfully fills the quota when it comes to the charming Brit boy. He may not be Hugh Grant’s Charles, but Patel’s portrayal brings a certain level of shy charisma that will remind you of the film character.
Twenty-five years ago, Four Weddings and a Funeral wowed audiences with its unique rom-com story, and now Hulu is bringing its own version to viewers in 2019.
Created by The Mindy Project collaborators Mindy Kaling and Matt Wharburton, the series is bringing a new tale to fans while still including some nods to the original, such as having the film’s writer Richard Curtis serve as executive producer and featuring a cameo by original star Andie MacDowell.
In the gallery above, we’re taking a look at all of the similarities and differences between the 1994 film and the new series.
Four Weddings and a Funeral, Streaming, Wednesdays, Hulu
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